Spanish authorities declared a state of emergency after rain swept across the Canary Islands over the weekend causing floods, with the popular tourist destination of Costa Teguise on Lanzarote badly hit
Holidaymakers were left in the lurch as travel titan TUI axed flights to Lanzarote after torrential downpours flooded the island. Spanish authorities declared a state of emergency in the Canary Islands following the deluge over the weekend.
The beloved tourist hotspot of Costa Teguise was severely affected, with holidaymakers sharing the aftermath on social media. Images and footage revealed swimming pool areas swamped by murky brown floodwaters and roads smothered in thick mud. And some travellers discovered their trips had been scrapped only upon reaching their airport. A spokesperson for TUI stated: “Due to the lack of alternative accommodation on the island during the busy Easter period we unfortunately had to cancel a small number of holidays departing yesterday and today.
“Customers were able to receive a full-refund or amend to another TUI holiday with a re-booking incentive. As always, the safety of our customers and colleagues is our main priority therefore TUI resort teams are working with the local authorities to find customers currently in impacted hotels, alternative accommodation or return flights back to the UK.”
On Monday, the Foreign Office cautioned that journeys to the island would be disrupted due to the heavy rainfall and flooding. It advised those travelling to or already on the island to “follow the advice of the local authorities and monitor local weather updates”.
However, the weather forecast for Lanzarote over the next few days looks much more promising. Spain’s State Meteorological Agency is forecasting mostly cloudy or sunny conditions with a slight chance of rain and temperatures reaching up to 23C.
Local authorities have confirmed that there have been no reported injuries, and the state of emergency in the Canary Islands was lifted on Sunday morning. Arrecife and San Bartolome were among the areas most severely impacted by the weather.
The head of Lanzarote’s emergency services revealed on Sunday that crews responded to 300 calls overnight, primarily in Arrecife and Teguise, with several homes experiencing flooding.
Pictures from the scene show cars submerged in water, buildings flooded and large bins being swept down streets by the powerful floodwaters, just days after the island was hit by Storm Oliver.
Lanzarote, known for its year-round warm weather, beaches, watersports and more, is a favourite holiday spot for tourists including many Brits.
This comes after a British tourist’s nightmarish travel experience led police in Benidorm to issue an urgent warning to anyone planning on visiting the Costa Blanca resort town.
Three men have been apprehended in Benidorm after the tourist’s bank cards were stolen and used nine times in less than 20 minutes. The tourist was targeted near the town’s infamous Muggers’ Alley, located off Gerona Street next to the local tourist police station.
The arrests were made after the victim received notifications on his mobile about the usage of his cards at various bars and restaurants around the town, leading detectives to one of these locations.
Police issued a warning to tourists visiting Benidorm this Easter, advising: “Always keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in crowded areas. Do NOT keep cell phones or wallets in back pockets or easily accessible areas. Be wary of strangers who approach you with vague excuses or exaggerated gestures. In the event of a robbery, do not confront the offender directly and notify the police immediately.”